Joseph J. Boulay

SMSgt. Joseph Jean Boulay, 91, US Air Force, Ret., of Tiverton passed away at his home on Saturday, January 11, 2024. He was the husband of the late Kathryn G. (Rostron) Boulay, and son of the late Joseph X. R. Boulay and the late Merina (Thibault) Boulay.

Joe was a graduate of Prevost High School. He met his beloved wife, Kathryn while working at Elbe File. They were happily married for 65 years. While attending Brown University, he joined the ROTC Program and later enlisted in the US Air Force where he served proudly for 27 years. As an Airborne Radio Operator, he traveled the world and had a breadth of knowledge about world cultures, politics, and history. He enjoyed sharing his stories with everyone, in particular his travels to Antarctica, The Congo, Morocco, Thailand, Greece, New Zealand, and his flights over the Arctic Circle.

Upon retiring from the Air Force, Joe worked as a foreman at the Zayer's/Ames Distribution Center for 20 years. He requested to have an all-female department; he believed the women were extremely smart and capable of helping him run a smooth department. Joe spoke of his "girls" with pride.

Joe was a member of the Order of Alhambra, Le Club Richelieu, and a Lifetime member of the Air Force Sergeants Association. In addition to his memberships to multiple charitable organizations, he truly believed in taking care of people. He befriended the people he came in contact with, whether it was his favorite bartender or the clerk at the gas station. He taught his children and grandchildren the importance of being kind and generous through his actions and his words. Everywhere he went people would say hello to “Mr. B.”

An avid vegetable gardener, Joe would spend as many as 8 hours a day tending his 2 enormous vegetable gardens. He loved sharing the wealth of his fresh produce.

He leaves two children, Deborah Pelletier (late husband Richard) of Fall River and Kevin Boulay (wife Susan) of Tiverton, three grandchildren, Christine Southgate (husband C. Scott), Austin, and Kelsey Boulay; siblings George E. Boulay, Marie Rita Bonnoyer, and Lina Fontes, as well as several nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to thank his CNA of 6 years Maureen Matabello, his many CNA’s, Health Aids, and the nurses of Southcoast VNA and Hospice Care.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 S. Main St. Fall River. His funeral will be held Thursday, January 16, at 9:00 A.M. from the funeral home with a Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, Tiverton at 10:00 A.M.

Burial at St. Patrick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.